The Blackburn Cathedral vaccination site is celebrating its first anniversary after delivering over 166,000 jabs.

Today (January 18), marks one year since John Mason, of Bolton, became the first person to receive the Covid vaccine at the centre.

The centre offers vaccines seven days a week, offering a convenient alternative to GP and pharmacy services.

Director of public health for Blackburn with Darwen, Professor Dominic Harrison said: “I am delighted that the Covid vaccination site is celebrating its first anniversary.

“It’s made a fantastic contribution to the vaccination rates, not only in Blackburn with Darwen but across Pennine Lancashire.

“I am very grateful to everyone at the Cathedral and the NHS staff who have been working so hard to get our first, second and boosters jabs rolled out and that we have been able to vaccinate such a significant percentage of the population which is allowing us to be a much more resilient area in regards to Covid rates.

“As we go into the next few years, we are going to have to find a way of maintaining the resilience we have built over the last year and this will be crucial to us getting our lives back to normal.

“Many thanks to everyone involved and congratulations on your first year.”

Members of the public can access first and second dose Pfizer, crucial booster jabs and vaccinations for 12 to 15 year olds, either by booking on the National Booking Service or via walk-ins.

Covid-19 vaccination director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, Jane Scattergood said: “A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who has been involved, particularly the staff at the centre and volunteers who keep the site flowing smoothly. And a massive thank you to the public who have answered the call and come forward for their vaccinations when asked.

“A great deal of work went into setting up these sites, particularly when they are not in health setting. But it was important that the vaccination programme was available locally and in convenient settings for the public to access.

“We continue to be extremely grateful to all our wider partners including Lancashire County Council, Cumbria County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackpool Council, our district councils, Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, the military, police, local businesses and many more.”

To book an appointment, go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/